The Ionia girls basketball team held the Raiders of Portland to 11 first-half points, then outscored them 13-6 in the fourth to earn a 36-26 victory Wednesday night in the Thornapple-Kellogg district semifinals.

The victory was the first over Portland for the Bulldogs since 2006, and the first for the 2012-13 Lady Dawgs over a top Lansing-Area team.

"We have struggled all year to beat the better teams we have played," Ionia coach Andy Barr said. "But I guess I can take eight losses to those teams in exchange for one in district play.

"Tonight our defensive intensity was good all four quarters. We struggled a little in the third and (Portland) got back within two, but Camryn Klein made a basket to push the lead back to four and we never looked back."

Junior Sarah Swartz got the Lady Dawgs off to a good offensive start, scoring 13 of her game-high 17 points in the first half. She also pulled down seven rebounds.

Taylor Bovee finished with 12 points and seven boards for Ionia, while Anna Riccuis finished with four and Klein chipped in with 3.

Along with her basket in the third to slow down the Raiders' run, Barr said Klein's defensive effort was also a key part to the team's victory.

"We made the decision to bring Camryn up two weeks ago and I am glad we did. She makes us a little more athletic and she did a good job tonight on defense, as did all of the girls."

Maddie King paced Portland with nine points, while fellow senior Kelsey Spitzley finished with seven and junior Allie Grys chipped in with six.

Following the win, Barr said he appreciated the sportsmanship of the Portland players, coaches and fans following the game.

"This was a great win against a good team," He said. "Their players, coaches and fans are a class act and that is part of why they are such a great program."

Ionia (13-8) will take on Lakewood in the district final on Friday at Thornapple-Kellogg High School.

Covenant Christian 55, Saranac 40

GRANDVILLE — The Redskins jumped out to an 8-2 lead Wednesday night, but were unable to keep up with Covenant Christian after that as they fell in the Calvin Christian district semis.

Kaylee Hardy led Saranac with 16 points and six rebounds, while Sadie Guernsey finished with 13 points and nine rebounds.

Kendall Seiler chipped in with six points and six steals or the Redskins as well.

Saranac finishes the year with a record of 8-14.

St. Pats 72, Ashley 32

ASHLEY — The Shamrocks took control early, taking a 20-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, en route to a district semifinal win Wednesday night over the host Bears.

Page 2 of 2 - Anna Bosworth led St. Pats with 13 points, while Courtney Dixon chipped in with eight.

St. pats (20-1) will return to Ashley on Friday night to take on Fulton in the district title game.